My 83-year-old Mom who lives in Iowa fell at her home last winter. A neighbor found her unconscious, lying on her living room floor a day or two later. She was transported to a hospital and later to a rehabilitation center. She doesn’t remember what happened or being in the hospital. After a couple of weeks, she was back in her home living independently but walking with a cane.
In December, she fell twice. Once at the hospital while visiting a dying friend. Luckily, two orderlies helped her to her feet. A day or so later she fell again at her home but luckily she was able to get herself upright after several attempts. I spoke with her about the importance of setting up a system to notify someone if she has fallen and is unable to get back up. This system would be imperative if she wants to continue living independently in her home.
A dear friend of mine notified me recently about her Dad’s (80+) recent fall. He was hospitalized and diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury. He has also developed pneumonia. Needless-to say, the family is extremely distraught. In her last text to me she said, “It’s been a roller coaster ride of emotions over the past two weeks….”
“Falls affect us all—whether personally or someone we love or care about. Every second of every day an older adult falls. In 2014 alone, more than one in four older adults reported falling and more than 27,000 older adults died as a result of falls—that’s 74 older adults every day.
There are simple steps you can take to prevent falls and decrease falls risks. CDC has developed the STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) initiative which includes educational materials and tools to improve fall prevention.
If I were to fall and break a bone, I wouldn’t be able to play with my grandkids. So I take a vitamin D pill each day to keep me strong. Lisa, 74
What You Can Do to Prevent Falls
Falls can be prevented. These are some simple things you can do to keep yourself (or a loved one) from falling.
Talk to Your Doctor
- Ask your doctor or healthcare provider to evaluate your risk for falling and talk with them about specific things you can do.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines to see if any might make you dizzy or sleepy. This should include prescription medicines and over-the counter medicines.
- Ask your doctor or healthcare provider about taking vitamin D supplements.
Do Strength and Balance Exercises
Do exercises that make your legs stronger and improve your balance. Tai Chi is a good example of this kind of exercise.
Have Your Eyes Checked
Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year, and be sure to update your eyeglasses if needed.
If you have bifocal or progressive lenses, you may want to get a pair of glasses with only your distance prescription for outdoor activities, such as walking. Sometimes these types of lenses can make things seem closer or farther away than they really are.
Make Your Home Safer
- Get rid of things you could trip over.
- Add grab bars inside and outside your tub or shower and next to the toilet.
- Put railings on both sides of stairs.
- Make sure your home has lots of light by adding more or brighter light bulbs.”